SUAVE HERMAN NURSES A LOLLYPOP

'CATTY' GIFT FROM FANS

     On the first day Herman and his Hermits spent on the MGM lot in Los Angeles, 2000 screaming fans came to greet them, Herman got a new cowboy hat, and a kitten found a new home.
     Upon arriving at the studios, where they did a three-day shooting for "When The Boys Meet The Girls," the group was rushed out of their black limousine and into the studio press office where they could speak to the fans collected outside over a loudspeaker.
     Hearing the fans singing, "I'm Henry the VIII," Herman stepped up to the microphone and sang a few verses right back. He was rewarded for these efforts when fans sent up presents, which included cakes, a cowboy hat, a water gun and a live kitten.
     While Herman appreciated all the gifts, he was especially floored by the kitten. "It's frightened," he murmered sypathetically, while the frantic cat clawed itself firmly into his jacket.
     "But you can't take the cat back with you to England. You won't be able to get him in," someone pointed out to Herman.
     "Can anyone give this kitten a good home?" the fans were asked.
     A teenage girl appeared out of the mass and Herman gratefully turned the kitten over to her.
     It just goes to show, "Every cat has it's day."

     Herman of Herman's Hermits may become a controversial figure if he follows his present plans.
     He's writing a book. It's about other pop music stars, but not just an ordinary book. Herman says it will include stories about stars that have never been printed before.
     He told the BEAT, "I'm writing about how they really are and not what they seem to be to the public - false images and all that sort of thing."
     "This surely will be the most controversial book of the year when it comes out."
     But before rushing out to the newsstand to buy a copy, read what else he has to say:
     "When it's published I'll probably be sued by everyone I've written about, so I'll probably have to wait until I finish in pop music."